RCMP Museum ~ Musée de la GRC

Friends of the Mounted Police Museum

FRIENDLY NOTES

Les amis du musée de la Gendarmerie Royale du Canada

NOTES AMICALES

Volume 9, ISSUE 1 Winter 1999

In this issue:

Dedication Ceremony at "Depot" Division McIllree's Diary continued...

In Memory of... Talented NFLD Group

Membership Committee REDCOATS ON THE PRAIRIES!!

Scarlet & Gold Gift Shop Annual General Meeting

Donor Wall of Appreciation Trivia Quiz

Tattoo Profit

Miscellaneous Info
Calendar of events, Answers to Trivia, Board Member List

Dedication Ceremony At "Depot" Division

    On September 15, 1998 the RCMP Administration Building at the Training Academy in Regina (more commonly known as "A" Block) was dedicated to the memory of Commissioner Aylesworth Bowen Perry. Dignitaries who attended the ceremony included Commissioner Philip Murray and a number of the late Commissioner Bowen Perry's family, including Mrs. June Perry McKenzie (Granddaughter) and Ms. Jennifer Campbell (Great Granddaughter), both from Vancouver, BC.

    Major-General Aylesworth Bowen Perry, the sixth and longest serving commissioner of the RCMP, was born in Lennox County, Ontario on August 21, 1860. He completed Royal Military College in 1880, winning the Governor General's gold and silver medals as the most proficient cadet in his class. He was appointed a lieutenant in the Royal Engineers serving in England. In 1881, he accepted a position with the Geological Survey of Canada. The following year Sir John A. Macdonald appointed him inspector in the North-West Mounted Police. He was promoted to superintendent August 1, 1885 for service in the North-West Rebellion.

     After the Rebellion, Superintendent Perry was appointed to command "F" Division with at headquarters in Prince Albert and he also later commanded the Regina and Calgary Districts. while in command of Southern Saskatchewan, Superintendent Perry qualified in law and was called to the Bar of the North-West Territories.

     In May 1897, he was sent to England in command of the Mounted Police contingent participating in Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee celebrations. This was the first occasion in which a representative of the Force had been sent overseas. In 1899, Superintendent Perry took over the command of the Yukon from Superintendent S.B. Steele. During April 1900, he handed over command of the Yukon and returned to Regina where he was appointed the Commissioner.

     In 1909, Commissioner Perry was appointed to the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George and in 1911 he commanded the contingent sent to England to represent the Force at the Empoire Celebration held in connection with the coronation of King George V. In 1912-13, Commissioner Perry oversaw construction of the Administration Building at "Depot" Division in Regina. From 1913 to 1920, he occupied an office in that building. In 1914, on the outbreak of war, Commissioner Perry suggested that the Force should go overseas and act as a cavalry unit and thus preserve its identity. Subsequently, recognition was granted in that squadrons from the Force were sent overseas to Europe and Siberia.

     In the later part of 1919 the government decided to absorb the Dominion Police into the Royal Northwest Mounted Police under the name Royal Canadian Mounted Police with Headquarters in Ottawa. Commissioner Perry was responsible for the details of the reorganization which was successfully completed in February, 1920. Two years later Commissioner Perry relinquished his command to Assistant Commissioner Cortlandt Starnes and after a period of leave retired in 1923. In recognition of his service he was given the rank of Major-General by a grateful government.

     Commissioner Perry is the only man who has had the honour of being commissioner of the Force under the three different names by which it has been known, the North-West Mounted Police, the Royal Northwest Mounted Police and Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Commissioner Perry died in Ottawa on February 14, 1956.

L to R: Mrs. June Perry McKenzie, Comm'r Philip Murray, & Ms. Jennifer Campbell on the steps of "A" Block.

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MC ILLREE'S DIARY CONTINUED... --Out of the Past--

     Reg. No. 6 John Henry McIllree was one of the "Original 300" who participated in the March West in 1874, and he kept a handwritten diary of the trip. In the last issue we left off at Aug. 2nd, 1874....

      3.8.74
      Left camp 5 A.M. Threatening rain. Travelled until midday having made 14 miles, and stopped along-side a swamp. Country a little improving and grass better. Started again until 2 P.M. and travelled until dusk, having made a daays march of 27 miles. Camped at the everlasting Long Creek or River. Went to bed. It was lightening at the time. I had got to sleep when I was waken up in a short time by the wind which was blowing a hurricane. The first thing I knew was, the curtain of the tent blew up and I nearly got smothered with a cloud of dust and gravel. The next thing was the tent went bodily up in the air followed by my helmet and sundry tin plates, blankets, etc. I grabbed my clothes and got some of them on and went about camp. I could not help laughing. Nearly every tent was down and the men were rushing around in their shirt tails or other equally classical costume trying to find their rainment. It blew and rained and hailed for some time and then it quieted down, and the clouds broke, and the moon came out and revealed our misery in full. The only one who looked in any way comfortable was our Captain, Capt Carvell who never stirred out of his bed. He has an immense oil sheet so he just rolled himself in it and lay quiet. I was disconsolate at the loss of my helmet as I do not own anything else to put on. I was very tired so I crept under a waggon and was soon asleep. The horses kept pretty quiet during the storm. Saw 2 buffalo.
      4.8.74
      Did not start until about 7 30 A.M. Was in charge of the advance guard. Made about 7 miles in the morning. Passed through a strange current of very hot air. Stopped for dinner near a swamp, but did not get any as we had no wood and all the breakfast I had was a little porridge. Started again at 2 P.M. when we left the beaten trail and struck out for ourselves. It was very hilly country and hard pulling for the horses many of which gave out. There was lots of little swamps amoung the hills full of ducks. Saw a good many antelope and got within 400 yds of 6 of them but the man I was with spoiled my shot as he fired before I was ready. Travelled until dusk when we camped at Spring Cullie where there was a fine cold spring. The Plateau of the Missouri was on our right and Sand hills on our left. Two men were lost who did not turn up till morning. I was mighty hungry had a good supper and turned in. Made 21 1/2 miles.
      5.8.74
      Started at 5:30 A.M. A heavy road and slow travelling. Skirted along the plateau. Had a good many coolies to cross. Got some wood from the plateau the first we have seen since we left Wood End on 31st ult.. We stopped about noon near the Souris River we remained for the remainder of the day.
      6.8.74
      Started at 5 A.M. A heavy road with deep coolies to cross. Camped at noon near some saline springs. The horse drank it, but we could not. Got some good water farther up the coolie. Lots of raspberries and gooseberries. Started again at 2 P.M. and arrived at the bottom of the plateau or coteau in a couple of hours. Then came the fun. We had a winding ascent of between 4 or 5 miles to make with tired horses. After some hard hauling and work we got to our camp near Dirt Hill on top of the coteau. We found plenty of wood and water and fair pasture. The other troops expect D were far behind and the guns did not get in at all I cant say why it is called Dirt Hill, it is about as clean as the rest. A great many horses played out, also men. Had supper and turned in. A great many little lakes and swamps among the hills.
      7.8.74
      Remained at Dirt Hill all day. Sent some horses and men out to bring up the guns and some ox carts. A good view from on top of the hill. Prairie all burnt toward the N E to base of the plateau. Lots of ducks in the lakes but I did not take the gun out. Remained in camp all day. Went on guard in evening.
      8.8.74
      Left Dirt Hill about 5 A.M. Road hilly and heavy. Horses commenced to play out in the morning. Passed some swamps and lots of ducks. Had dinner near a swamp, but water was bad. Had a long weary afternoon tramp. The horses were for the most part completely played out and we had to change them often. I did not get into camp at Johnstons Lake until about 10:30 P.M. tired and hungry and there was still three of our waggons to come up and no horses to bring them. We had done about 30 miles over a bad hilly road. I walked the best part of the way. Had supper and got to rest about midnight.
      9.8.74
      Got up about 6 A.M. and was agreeably surprised to find a nice sandy beach to the lake. I took a walk for about 2 miles along the beach. Saw geese ducks plovers and stoned a skunk to death. Had a bathe on my return but the water was very shallow. You had to walk out about a quarter of a mile or more before you could swim. The water is alkaline and it rather upset our constitution both men and beasts. Had Divine Service at 20.30 A.M.. After dinner I took the gun and went for a walk but I got nothing but a lot of big plover. Saw every good mirage in the evening. It looked as if a big island was floating down on us and it lasted some time. Johnstons Lake is one of two alkaline lakes called the "Old Womans Lakes". It is a large lake but I cannot say the size as the map is very indefinite, only taken from Dr. Raes journal.
      10.8.74
      Rouse at 6 A.M.. Started after breakfast to find out the direction of a trail or road for the Colonel. When I got back to camp they were getting ready to start. Left about 4 P.M. and went about 5 miles and camped again farther down the lake. We met Major McLeod and party now who had been to Woody Mountain to get a supply of pemmican. Blew hard all night.

continued next issue...
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We were very sad to learn that RCMP Inspector E.S.W. (Syd) Batty had passed away last fall while visting his grandson in New Brunswick. Inspector Batty joined the Force in 1934. At the outbreak of the 2nd World War he volunteered for the RCMP Provost Company and served overseas with First Division. After the war he continued to serve in the Force until he retired in 1970.

Inspector Batty was a staunch supporter of the Friends of the Mounted Police Museum and, as a result, he was honoured with a Life Membership in 1993. On behalf of all members, the Friends Board of Directors extend sincere sympathy to Inspector Batty's family. He meant a great deal to us and we will miss him. He was indeed a real Friend.

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A TALENTED NEWFOUNDLAND GROUP

Last October a high profile group from Newfoundland "Buddy-Whats-His-Name", entertained a responsive audience in the Drill Hall at "Depot" Division. A delightful variety of songs and jokes were well received by those in attendance. A cheque for $820.00 (profit from the evening show) was presented by C/Supt. Harper Boucher to Kenn Barker, President of the Friends of the Mounted Police Museum. An additional donation of $124.00 from the "Depot" 125th Committee was also presented to the "Friends", making a total of $944.00 in all. The RCMP Museum will, of course, be the sole beneficiary. Sincere thanks go out to all those people who organized the event.

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MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT

A warm welcome to the following persons who have become members of the "Friends" during the period September 22nd, 1998 and December 29th, 1998.

Paul Ratushny, Kamsack
Hon. Sheldon Reagan, Kankakee, Il
Mrs. Ellen Gunn, Scarborough
Alexander Kirk, Surrey
Rosemary Cleverley, London
James E. Goodfellow, Flin Flon
John A. Mitchell, Prince Albert
Rob S. Baker
Fei-Kiu Chong, Hong Kong
J. Lyle Nelson, Crane Valley
Richard Boucher
Mike Newsome, Kansas City
John & Margaret Biensch, Lloydminster
John Bertram, Regina
D.L. Anderson, Orinda CA

R.C. Tours, Regina
RCMP Veteran's Association (Calgary)
Paul Cooney, Warminster PA
Lawrence Van Sullen, St. Claire Shores, MI
S.E.H. Pulles, Regina
Louisiana Jane (Cajun Band), Regina
Michel Grondin, Thetford Mines, QC
"U" Squad (1951-52)
George Rechner, Edmonton
Darlene Spock (Gallenger), Regina
Sherwood Credit Union
Biggar Credit Union
Ceylon-Hardly Credit Union
Redvers Credit Union
Pierceland Credit Union

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RED COATS ON THE PRAIRIES

THE SECOND COMING!

Did you miss out on ordering a copy of the "tell all" story of how it really was in the North West Mounted Police between 1886 and 1990? Don't worry, you have a second chance at ordering, based on the introductory offer price!

Authored by RCMP Historian Dr. Bill Beahen and Stan Horrall, "Red Coats" tells it the way it really was; the social background of the men, their living conditions, their indiscretions, health, habits, training, discipline, benefits and marital relations. It documents the influential role of the North West Mounted Police in the political, social & cultural life of the developing western community.

Available for immediate delivery you can save $10.00 off the retail book price, have your name personalized on the hard bound cover and also receive a reproduction print of the art used on the dust jacket.

** Also available in French ~ Les Tuniques Rouges Dans La Prairie.

Cost: $49.95 each
S&H: $5.00 per book
7% GST or 15% HST (where applicable)

TO ORDER, call Printwest (1150 Eighth Avenue, Regina, Sask) at 1-800-823-6829.

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SCARLET AND GOLD GIFTSHOP

We are pleased to announce that the R.C.M.P. Centennial Museum is now on the Internet. One of the icons included for your viewing is the 'Scarlet and Gold Gift Shop' - please pay us a visit. You may order merchandise online (with secure internet purchasing), by mail, fax or by using our toll free telephone line from anywhere in Canada or the U.S.A. at 1-877-526-0585 [hours of operation are 0900-1600 hrs CST, Monday through Friday and 1100-1600 hrs CST on Saturday and Sunday]

BUSINESS CARDS? We sell custom business cards! High quality - very unique and friendly - portraying the Friends "Mountie on Horse" logo. We look forward to hearing from you! Cost: 250/$50.00, 500/$100.00, 1000/$190.00 or 2000/$360.00 * Friends discount does not apply.

INFORMATION:
Website: http://mpmuseum.sasktelwebhosting.com
E-mail: friends@rcmpmuseum.com
Phone toll-free (Can/USA): 1-877-526-0585
Local phone: 347-7676 | Fax: (306) 347-0898

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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Ninth Annual General Meeting of the Friends of the Mounted Police Museum will be held in the foyer of the RCMP Centennial Museum, "Depot" Division, Regina, Saskatchewan on:

Wednesday, March 24th, 1999 at 6:00 pm

Details of the meeting are contained in separate correspondence enclosed with this newsletter.

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DONOR WALL OF APPRECIATION

The following changes / additions to the "Donor Wall" have been made since our last issue:

Friend $500

Supporter $100

Bob & Betty Parrell, Regina
RCMP Veterans Association (Calgary)

Eleanor & Ernest Parker, Edmonton
Robert L.G. Belter, Campbell River
RCMP Veterans Association (London)
Dave Caporale, Leduc
Kurly & Marianne Kereluk, Calgary
Michael Cloutier, Abbotsford
Grace Stevenson, Regina
Dennis Parsons, Cranbrook
Larry S. Knight, Edmonton
Lawson Eyman, Whiterock
Paul Drescher, Quesnel
Craig Smith, St. Albert
E.A. Hamilton, Edmonton
Bill Johnston, Winnipeg
Chas P. Hainsworth, Edmonton
Marion Cyr, Saskatoon
Patricia Bruce, Nepean
T.A.C. McNeil, Invermere
Jim S. Vinen, Victoria
Charles V. Lawrence, Almonte
S. Veronica Peakes, Moores Mills, NB
Arlene Sondergaard, Calgary
Rodger Parnell, Gloucester
Vicki Beamish, Regina
George & Annette McCully, Orleans
Len & Wendy Meilleur, Prince Rupert
Gary & Noreen Treble, Regina
Les & Pat Chipperfield, Fredericton
WM Chahley Quispamsis, NB
R.C. Tours, Regina

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TRIVIA QUESTIONS

Who was in overall charge of the 1874 March West?

What was the name of the place where the March West began?

On what date did the March West begin?

Jump to the answers!

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PROFIT FROM TATTOO '98

The cheque shown below represents the profit from the RCMP Tattoo '98. The Tattoo was presented in Regina and Saskatoon last June. The money is gradually being used on a number of carefully chosen Museum projects.

L to R: Kenn Barker (Pres Friends), Comm'r Philip Murray & Committee Chairman Doug Egan

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MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

FRIENDS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AND COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN

President - Kenn Barker, RCMP (Ret'd)

Immediate Past President - Ivan Thue, RCMP (Ret'd)

Secretary - Ron Ostrum, RCMP (Ret'd)

Director - Bill Perry, RCMP (Ret'd)

Director - Tom Light, RCMP (Ret'd)

Director - Mac MacGillivray, RCMP (Ret'd)

Director - Tony Brezinksi, RCMP (Ret'd)

Force Rep. - Supt. Gerald Doucet

Museum Rep. - C/M Bill Mackay

Historian Committee - Kenn Barker, RCMP (Ret'd)

Membership Committee - Ron Ostrum, RCMP (Ret'd)

Newsletter Committee - Ivan Thue, RCMP (Ret'd)

Volunteer Committee - T.O. Lewis, RCMP (Ret'd)

MUSEUM STAFF

Curator - William (Bill) Mackay

Secretary/Registrar - Wendy Kraushaar

Conservator/Collections Mgr. - Carmen Harry

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Museum Hours
Summer June 1st to September 15th 8:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Winter September 16th to May 31st 10:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Scarlet & Gold Gift Shop Hours Manager: Jim Hill, RCMP (Ret'd)
Summer 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Winter 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Be sure to Visit the Gift Shop!!

Interested in the Friends??
Want to become a member or renew your membership??

Click here!!

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Answers to Trivia

Who was in overall charge of the 1874 March West?
Commissioner George A. French, C.M.G.
What was the name of the place where the March West began?
Dufferin (Pembina) at the international boundary south of Fort Garry (Winnipeg)
On what date did the March West begin?
July 8, 1874

Back to Trivia Quiz...

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